Malaysia has been rescuing citizens living in poverty for nearly two decades in Lombok

Malaysia, Theabarnews.com—The Malaysian government has successfully brought back Norida Akmal Ayob, a 45-year-old Malaysian citizen who lived in poor conditions in Lombok, Indonesia, for 18 years after marrying an Indonesian man.

Norida made it safely to Malaysia on Saturday, February 14, 2026, according to Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, the Deputy Home Minister. Following her marriage, Norida relocated to Lombok to live with her husband.

Shamsul says that the marriage didn’t last very long. Norida had to take care of her kids by herself after she and her husband broke up. In the end, he got married again. To help her family, she worked as a street sweeper. She couldn’t send her kids to school anymore because they didn’t have enough money.

“Her marriage didn’t last, and in the end she lived alone in pain and poverty,” Shamsul wrote on his official Facebook page on Sunday, February 15.

Many groups worked together to make the return possible, including Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Malaysian Embassy in Indonesia, the Malaysian Immigration Department, and Indonesian officials.

Norida’s family in Kampung Bukit Sapi, Lenggong, told the Malaysian government about her situation. This led to the attempt. The family was hopeful that she would come home after years of trouble living abroad.

Officials said that this case showed how countries can work together to help their citizens who are having trouble abroad. Moreover, the government made it clear that it would help Malaysians who are having a difficult time, especially those who don’t have papers, a steady job, or family support.

Norida took her two kids back to Malaysia. Officials haven’t said what will happen next with social assistance. However, the case has brought attention to the problems that migrant spouses face when they live abroad without strong legal or financial support systems.

The repatriation shows how important it is for diplomats to work together. In addition, it shows the importance of social safety nets being in place to protect citizens who live abroad.